Climate Justice Club hosts “Water Walk”

On Sept. 30, the Climate Justice Club hosted a “Water Walk.” Two groups of CSB/ SJU students and faculty were assigned to walk from CSB or SJU along the Wobegon trail.

The two groups met in the middle and discussed the significance of water in relation to climate change, social justice and clean water.

This walk was a continuation of “Relay for Our Water,” a project that was planned by a national team consisting of Sierra Club, MN350, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, R.I.S.E. Coalition and the Sunrise Movement.

The relay consists of passing a pint of water, or Nibi in Ojibwe, which was blessed by Ojibwe women at the Mississippi Headwaters where the relay initiated on Aug. 3, 2020. Nibi has traveled to communities throughout Minnesota to spread environmental and climate awareness, along with building resiliency and community for Indigenous and Native people.

Melissa Burrell, activism focal point for the Climate Justice Club, brought the “Relay for Our Water” to CSB/SJU. “I have been working on the planning committee for the campaign through MN350 since mid-July,” Burrell said. Burrell, along with the Executive Board of Climate Justice Club, reached out for collaborative support of the “Water Walk” and was sponsored by the Environmental Studies Department, Climate Justice Club, Extending the Link and Institute for Women’s Leadership. They also received representation from QPLUS.

As a double major in Environmental Studies and Peace Studies, this event had a deeper meaning to Burrell.

“Protecting Minnesota water is significant in any environment we are in, and we were able to emphasize that for our campuses. While providing space for people to gather in community and celebrate, this event was significant because we were able to share about the importance and history of all of the water bodies on the CSB/SJU campus,” Burrell said.

“Water from CSB lakes drain directly into the Mississippi watershed, which is where this water originally came from. The wetland ecosystems and fresh water is pivotal to CSB/SJU.” Burrell continues to volunteer through MN350 with various climate projects, along with collaboratively leading Climate Justice Club and other organizations and clubs on campus.

Charly Frisk, co-director of Extending the Link, participated in the Water Walk both as an activist and student leader. This event was not the first time Frisk has focused on water while filming.

“In 2018, ETL filmed a documentary illustrating the cultural and spiritual significance of water from the perspectives of Hindu individuals in India and the band of Chippewa Native Americans in Red Lake, Minnesota.” The Water Walk harmonized well with our mission to act locally, in reverence to our commitment towards protecting the intrinsic values of our waters here and abroad,” Frisk said. The Water Walk both moved and motivated Frisk through her connection to water and her passion for collective liberation.

“Taking such intentional time reminded me just how much we need water, and just how much the water needs us. Water is not something to be discarded, commodified or removed and as pipelines threaten the sanctity of water, we must collectively choose to remember and advocate for our giver of life – the water,” Frisk said.

Alex Morales-Garcia, videographer for Extending the Link, was eager to observe and capture moments from this event.

“I found myself losing track of time while being behind the camera and capturing the moments that sparked empowerment and change to all kinds of people,” Morales-Garcia said. Morales Garcia has filmed other campus events throughout his college career, along with filming documentaries while traveling internationally with members from Extending the Link.

“This was a heartwarming experience to capture a moment that people were passionate about. Events like these help create change within the students, faculty, staff and community members around us who have a direct influence on the university,” Morales-Garcia said.

With 7 lakes between CSB and SJU, water has a significant presence on campus. Corrie Grosse, professor of Environmental Studies and advisor to Climate Justice Club, attended the Water Walk event.

“If you breathe air and you drink water, this is about you,” Grosse said. Grosse has been an active participant in local, national and international activism for Indigenous rights, water rights and more. Here at CSB/SJU, Grosse is inspired by the natural surroundings on campus.

“We all breathe air and drink water in a beautiful environment. What a privilege it is to learn, teach and work among forests and prairies, blue skies and clear lakes. Being a water protector is about working to ensure that everyone enjoys what we do here,” Grosse said. “Water is powerful. Water has a quality that no other entity on the planet holds, that sense of unity that everyone can relate to. Water is life,” Burrell said.

“Water represents a lot more than just a physical need for people. Water is spiritual and we should pay it our respects and appreciation,” Morales-Garcia said.

“Educate yourself through experiencing the water’s majesty, and then fight for it. I strongly advocate for our community to take action in protecting our water, as it is truly as severe as protecting your own life and the lives around you,” Frisk said.